Imagine you are holding a map. But instead of streets, it shows the irresistible aromas of chocolate, strawberries, vanilla… The cobblestone streets whisper enchanting tales, where the main characters are bites of delight, delicate creams, and juicy fruits.
Pick an afternoon when you won’t be chased by time, lock away your deadlines in the most hidden drawer, and come with us in search of the must-try desserts if you’re in Plovdiv.
Our first stop promises a great beginning—at Dolce Fellini, we are served a true tropical paradise! “Bacio Tropicale” tempts us with crispy almond-hazelnut meringue layers that crunch delightfully under the fork. Their subtle sweetness is just the prelude to the heart of the dessert—a creamy white chocolate ganache. All of this is crowned with fluffy mascarpone cream and lots of fresh fruits!
Dolce Fellini “Gen Gurko” Street, 10
We devoured the first dessert greedily, and while we had no hesitation in including it among the top places on our list, we weren’t shy to ask for more.
“Oh, wait! We’re just getting started!”, they responded kindly.
And since some desserts are worth seeing before tasting, here it is—the seductress of our afternoon:
Dolce Fellini “Gen Gurko” Street, 10
“The Seductress” as we called The Pear, completely captivates with an unexpected play of flavors. Here the tenderness of white chocolate ganache meets a velvety blue cheese mousse- a bold, salty accent that surprises and attracts attention. A crispy walnut praline adds richness, while the pear confit center completes it with a juicy, fruity finish. Every bite is a perfect balance—intense yet airy; rich yet fresh.
After such an experience, we need a walk. Our minds, filled with the beauty of the moment, lead our conversation to the legendary Maritza Pharmacy building, and we can’t help but note the next culinary stop on our dessert map.
At “Rayko Daskalov” Street, 54, the home bakery “5 O’Clock” welcomes us with warmth, smiles, and the scent of freshly baked treats. The display, filled with exquisite cupcakes—the signature of this cozy place—catches the eye even from the street.
These cupcakes are the heart of the bakery—tender, aromatic, and irresistible. Today, we are served an Orange Cupcake, bringing a refreshing citrusy note, perfect for a sweet little break.
5 O’clock , “Rayko Daskalov” Street, 54
We can’t skip the cakes either—they’re a true celebration for the senses. The rich chocolate taste comes from high-quality craft chocolate used in the cocoa creams, while the vanilla desserts enchant with their deep flavor, thanks to real Bourbon vanilla. Every bite is a hug for the palate and a promise of a sweet memory.
5 O’clock , “Rayko Daskalov” Street, 54
5 O’Clock is a place we don’t want to leave, but serious commitments are waiting! After an hour of chatting, we decide that we either need reinforcements or we must continue another day. Being responsible people with many friends, we can’t leave today’s “work” for tomorrow. We stop by the office, and reinforcements quickly arrive. The task is serious and taken to heart—we are creating the sweetest map of our city!
One rational reason why our office is in the heart of Plovdiv is that some of the city’s sweetest gems are just around the corner.
Without hesitation and with renewed energy, we head to Villa Rosiche. Known to all Sofia residents for over 20 years, this pastry shop recently opened in Plovdiv, and word of its masterfully crafted desserts quickly spread among dessert lovers.
What should you try here?
Baked cheesecake!
Or éclairs? Definitely.
Wait, wait.
Our colleague Neda, who just joined us, is in a chocolate mood. A freshly made Lindt Cake is the only logical choice under these circumstances!
This dessert is like the kiss before the final page of a love story— airy, soul-touching chocolate, a delicate biscuit base, and a creamy milk finish that lingers in your memory.
Villa Rosiche, “Felix Kanitz” Street, 4
And if there are any fans of classics among you, your attention will immediately be drawn to the biscuit cake with fine buttercream, rum, coffee, and walnut brittle. Ah, if only you knew how perfectly it pairs with cherry liqueur!
Villa Rosiche, “Felix Kanitz” Street, 4
Just before sunset, we wander through the winding streets to reach one of my favorite Plovdiv corners—the intersection of “Antim I” Street and “Hristo Danov” Street. And I’m sure it’s no coincidence because in a modernist building from the 1930s, you’ll find the well-known Greek café-patisserie and bakery El Greco. There is everything here for every taste — exquisite pastries, ice cream, sweet masterpieces, and healthy options.
Of course, in a Greek pastry shop, we had to try Portokalopita—a traditional orange pie. Its aroma is like a morning on a Greek island, where the air is filled with citrus scents, and the first bite is a sweet dance with the sun’s rays. Each piece is made of finely crushed phyllo dough and lots of fragrant oranges—a true summer treat sealed with a golden crust.
El Greco, “Antim I” Street, 7
We were also excited to learn that El Greco offers a brand-new selection of healthy desserts with signature recipes. Naturally, we make a mental note to try them all. Between Protein Snickers, Homemade Granola with Yogurt and Fresh Fruits, Sugar-Free and Gluten-Free Garash Cake, and Raw Vegan Cake, today we choose…
Raw Vegan Cake!
El Greco, “Antim I” Street, 7
The ingredients—carefully noted and highly rated by our in-house nutrition expert – Vesi: coconut flour and butter, raw hazelnuts, honey, dates, Belgian dark chocolate, and caramelized orange peels in agave syrup.
And as we admire the rich display, a thought crosses my mind—maybe it’s time for a glass of wine?
The final stop on our map is none other than CAVEA Roman Stadium, nestled among the grandeur of ancient ruins in the heart of the Roman Stadium. We take a moment of silence and tranquility—because Cavea is meant to be experienced.
CAVEA Roman Stadium, Plovdiv, “Roman Stadium” 1
An invigorating Tiramisu, elegantly served in a glass, arrives at our table. We admire the lavish dessert at the next table, but here, we’re told, a special surprise awaits us.
And here it is. Coincidence or not, the final stop on our map of temptations is called Love. And, coincidentally or not, it pairs best with a glass of sparkling Bulgarian wine.
And what are the ingredients? Go there and find out.
CAVEA Roman Stadium, Plovdiv, “Roman Stadium” 1
